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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2021
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
Locating the conversation It should be stated upfront, that there is no substitute for the mainstream press. The structure, training, discipline and administrative capacity that constitute the average news entity, are critical to ensuring that the Fourth Estate plays its role in ensuring that the three arms of government play their own rule in maintaining a fair and functional society. That said, a mainstream press comes with the biases, preferences and prejudices of its controlling interests, whether those biases are overt or implicit; when the controlling interests of a press outlet finds alignment with political or economic or tribal interests. When the Internet began to evolve first messaging boards, and then chat groups, there came a sense that the Internet was democratizing human communication, not just moving the power of mass communication from an increasingly exclusive elite, but also defining what was being prioritized in this vast conversation in this brave new World Wide Web. With the creation of podcasts, a new dimension, sound, was added to the primarily text-based forums, and then came YouTube. The name has become so ubiquitous that most people give little thought to the brand name, a combination of “You,” the individual user, and “tube,” the American idiom for television. And then social media, most notably, Twitter and Facebook, appeared. What that has led to has been a proverbial double-edged sword. A decade ago, social media – Facebook and Twitter, in particular – played a critical role in what was dubbed The Arab Spring, a series of massive political upheavals that rocked primarily autocratic regimes in the Arab Middle East and Northern Africa. Not only did dissidents use social media to highlight the excesses of the governments trying to suppress them, sharing pictures, text and video from the middle of the uprisings where mainstream, established media outlets could not or would not reach social media was also used to coordinate the uprisings. Of course, soon after came the attempted subversion of social media for subversion by the United States, using – of all organizations – the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with the attempted creation of a Cuban version of Twitter. According to a 2-14 UK Guardian story on the scheme: “In a play on Twitter, it was called ZunZuneo — slang for a Cuban hummingbird’s tweet. Documents show the US government planned to build a subscriber base through “non-controversial content”: news messages on soccer, music, and hurricane updates. Later when the network reached a critical mass of subscribers, perhaps hundreds of thousands, operators would introduce political content aimed at inspiring Cubans to organize “smart mobs” — mass gatherings called at a moment’s notice that might trigger a Cuban spring, or, as one USAID document put it, ‘renegotiate the balance of power between the state and society’.” Fast forward to 2021, and it is no doubt a cruel irony to the intellectual authors of that programme that external subversion of American social media – by Russia if that were not clear – decided the outcome of the 2016 election giving Donald Trump the victory, and that social media was instrumental in the Trump-instigated mass attack on the American legislature and on American democracy itself. The key function of mass media has always been for a society to engage in a credible conversation with itself. Even as traditional news agencies – like this one, for example – are faced with a legion of other critical challenges, there has to be serious consideration placed on how they treat social media and contestation it represents for space at the conversation table. In Guyana, we have had serious issues thrown up, discussed, analyzed, and resolved, conversations involving thousands of people that never make any mainstream media outlet. Society is ever evolving – there was a time when that credible mass conversation was located in exclusively mainstream media; it is probably time that there is recognition that much of that conversation is relocating elsewhere.
Open to constructive criticism DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the caption, “I am open to constructive criticism” (SN February 02). If Guyana’s head of state thought he has impressed the nation, then he is not only suffering from misplaced confidence, but he has lost his head. He neither amuses nor impresses; he can’t be serious. Where to start? First, President Ali has been a study in silence and the scanty, where vital matters of this country are involved; what he has not omitted, he has turned his back on (when questioned), by pretending to be absentminded or hearing impaired, in setting his face obstinately. Not that one, not that issue, not now. This is the leader who rousingly promised to be about transparency and accountability, to which I hold him tightly. I should be guilty of a gross indecency, a palpable disrespect for the high office that Dr. Ali holds, if I were to tar him with disingenuousness or, worse, deliberate deception. I should, but I do not; I leave his own actions to confirm performance on his promises, or to condemn him for the litany of trickeries heaped on a largely gullible,
uncaring society. When President Ali swears to the people, including swooning supporters, he is not some panting sycophant, but a leader that should never betray or sellout or dilute delivery on what matters to all citizens. For the enlightenment of the esteemed and glorious leader (No! I am not North Korean), I dare to criticize him constructively and humbly. President Ali has not delivered on reports related to the oversight of the nation’s oil wealth; he has back peddled on promises; exemplary as leader of scripted words that are rhetorically flashy, but shallow in ensuing reality. The narratives from the president have been appealing, yet he has not made good on those narratives. The nation waits, but less trusting now. When President Ali committed to clean governance, I said to myself: though I voted against, this new man, younger man, arranged bridegroom, must have space and spiritual support to perform and deliver. I criticize President Ali for not so doing. For Guyana cannot have clean
governance, when so many besmirched human recyclables are exhumed to lead forward. As I criticize the president - constructively and justifiably in my mind - I submit that there cannot be clean governance when there are so many venal, unclean, and unreconstructed incorrigibles piloting so many pivotal public places. His Excellency is aware of their history, identity, and lack of integrity and credibility, where the people’s business is involved. When President Ali surrounds himself with so many timeworn misfits, holds to his breast as treasured comrades, then he is not about clean governance, or about what is best for this society. I so criticize him, for those actions that damn him before the court of honest public opinion. Editor, President Ali’s still short reign stands as a monument to his mistreatment of citizens on what means something to them; when he treats them like halfwits. That he has projected this in a dimwitted way does not accrue to his person, office, or record. I regret the president sets this tone. He bars sections of the press and then feeds the same people barred the next day,
and they run to eat the fare paid for the taxpayers they represent. I understand how and why President Ali gets away with what he does. I recall that when a reporter was excluded by a ranking government stalwart, members of this same scorned press body objected en masse in what was their shining hour. Times change; people, too. Oh, I can continue and criticize President Ali about his retreats and vacillations on those murderous West Berbice developments, on his splurge of borrowings - recent past, present, and intended on his reluctance to treat with straightness, and make it an inseparable aspect of his substance, leadership, and objectives. But I cannot. He has been the epitome of what is smugly dodgy and hedgy. I can criticize him for not being his own man, but a placeholder, but I won’t. Editor, I wish that I did not have to articulate any of those positions that speak to presidential realities, but I had to, as there was no other way. I thank the president for opening that door. I trust that neither he (nor his people) will slam it on the toes and faces of this nation. Sincerely, GHK Lall
Govt. creates smokescreen to cover fear of Patterson’s scrutiny on PAC DEAR EDITOR, The desire of the government parliamentarians to remove David Patterson as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is rife with suspicion. Admittedly Patterson has a fraud charge against him before the Court, but until the Court rules, the presumption of innocence until proven guilty holds true for him under Common Law principles. Further, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) government cannot use the charge as any legitimate excuse to have Patterson removed from sitting on any committee. The feigned moral high ground the government is seeking to perch itself comes at a price of ignoring its history. They perhaps think people have forgotten or they just don’t care. They are gambling that ‘it is what they say it is’ and will be accepted by all. Then Chairman of the PAC, Irfaan Ali, who is now President, had 19 fraud charges against him. Ali not only sat in the Parliament and as Chair of PAC while these charges were hanging over his head, but he also ran for president.
Minister Juan Edghill is acting as the ‘anointed’ hatchet man or ‘anointed’ executioner to spearhead Patterson’s resignation from the National Assembly and or removal as Chair of the PAC. In local parlance, it would be said the goodly minister ‘found religion.’ But he may find it useful to pay attention to the biblical admonishment, “he that is without sin…let him first cast a stone….’ The minister should take the beam out of his own eye before he takes the speck out of Patterson’s. Since he is not without sin, he is incapable of credibly casting a stone. Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has no locus standi to seek Patterson’s removal by a noconfidence vote without exposing the government’s hypocrisy. The opportunity is taken to remind the whip, who might be having convenient memory lapses, that Anil Nandlall who was charged for alleged theft of law books continued to function in the Assembly whilst the charge was active. The cases of Ali and Nandlall were dismissed/ withdrawn when the PPP/C entered office. They did not
allow court adjudication to determine their innocence; they declared their innocence and used the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to withdraw their cases. During the period their matters were under judicial review they enjoyed the Common Law right to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by the Court. Patterson is no less deserving or without similar rights. The government’s antics to remove him is akin to a transparent smokescreen. Pardon the oxymoron, but it is necessary to best describe what they are doing. Like an octopus they are emitting a black ink hoping to avoid accountability by distracting attention. They are finding one excuse after another not to have the PAC function or remove the incumbent chair. They are acting as though they fear scrutiny. The last time the PAC was able to do its work they were meeting with officials of the Army to account for their spending in 2016. For the year under review Brigadier Mark Philips was the Chief of Staff. The government is creating
suspicions that it is skittish in having the army provide answers during the stewardship of Phillips, who is now Prime Minister. Their bluster may have escaped the prime minister’s attention or he’s complicit. The political immaturity is so ridiculous were it not for the seriousness of overseeing government’s spending the government’s behaviour would attract big suck teeth. They are losing sight of the fact that the interest of the Guyanese people would be served if they stop acting as though they fear Patterson’s oversight ability, are running scared or have something to hide. The acts of sabotage not to have the PAC sit predate the attempted no-confidence vote on Monday. It was first recognised with the Speaker’s dilatory tactics not to have the committee established, the abrupt aborting of a meeting, to calling for the chair’s resignation. As every day goes by it is becoming clearer and clearer the government is leading Guyana towards conflict. I hope Guyanese are taking note of the signs that were happening for the longest while in the US that (Continued on page 6)
Wednesday February 03, 2021
The two seabob licences are not new, but were dormant, and have now been reactivated DEAR EDITOR, I would be grateful if some small space can be accorded to me in your publication, to express my views regarding the current issue of the granting of two additional trawler licences by the Fisheries Department, Ministry of Agriculture.As with any issue, it is important to define the terms relating to the issue under discussion, so as to avoid misunderstanding and misconception. The licences under discussion are for the capture of Seabob, a single species of large marine shrimp. The Seabob is different from what locally were once referred to as “prawns”; prawns are a category of large marine shrimp, comprised of about four species. It is worth noting that Guyana’s prawn fishery was fished to commercial extinction in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The main prawn fishing activities at this time were implemented by a large foreign owned company. Following the collapse of the prawn fishery, many of the trawlers turned to the capture of Seabob. Over the past few years, the local Seabob fishery has undergone several changes. Of note is the ongoing effort by the stakeholders of this
fishery to obtain international certification, by the introduction of several management activities. These management activities are geared to ensure the sustainability of the fishery, so that hopefully it does not go the way of the prawn fishery. These management measures also should, among other important things, facilitate greater market access for the product. Another important recent change is the consolidation of the Seabob fishing fleet, with most of the trawler licences now being held by a foreign company. While it is welcome that efforts are being made to ensure the sustainability of the valuable Seabob fishery, and the attendant rewards, the former cannot be implemented, nor the latter reaped, with the exclusion of Guyanese. The Seabob fishery is the patrimony of Guyanese, and as such, Guyanese fisher folk have every right to participate. From the information available in the public sphere, it is understood that the licences granted by the Ministry of Agriculture are not new, but rather, were dormant, and have now been reactivated. As such, the two licences under discussion do not represent an addition to the fish-
ery. If the concern is that these two new licences will complicate the current certification efforts, then it is incumbent on those entities who are currently further along in the implementation of the required management measures, to advise and facilitate the two recent licencees accordingly. It is also incumbent on the two recent licencees to unreservedly participate and adopt the required measures, so as to ensure their personal success, and the success and longevity of the fishery as a whole. It is also incumbent on the Ministry of Agriculture, having seen it fit to grant the licences, to facilitate this process, for the achieving of the many rewards that this fishery will continue to provide. This can be done via an existing body, such as the Fisheries Advisory Committee, or via a new mechanism that the Hon. Minister can define.At the end of the day, the Seabob fishery in Guyana belongs to Guyanese, and as such, Guyanese should be able to fully participate in its requirements for sustainability, and hopefully, the resulting rewards. Yours truly, Harryprasad Etwaroo Former Fishing Consultant
Leave the dark ages behind DEAR EDITOR, Fully informed people are essential to a democratic State. President Abraham Lincoln in his famous Gettysburg Address in 1863 intoned that the sacrifices of the Union soldiers were for freedom and democracy so “that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” This is the most concise and clear description of democracy. To illustrate the essence of its concept, let us look at the upcoming National Budget. The budget will be prepared and presented by the Minister of Finance who is a representative of the people, debated by the Members of Parliament who were elected by the people and thereafter the budget is made public and implemented for the people. The information contained in the budget, the grand plans and intended programmes of the government will be carried on all media and social outlets so that the people will have an informed idea of what the government is trying to achieve. This is precisely how a
democratic state works. No information is too much or too little. It is because as informed people we were able to decipher truth from fiction when the APNU+AFC were speaking through their rear portal about Russians and the dead voting in their attempt to rig the 2020 elections. It goes to show therefore, if politicians believe that voters cannot be trusted with the truth, democracy is seriously at risk. For a democracy to function it is essential that a government respect the people and take them seriously, not only those that have voted for the government but all the people. Furthermore, in order to exercise their democratic rights properly, people should be informed as fully as possible. So, whether it is onshore or offshore oil and gas projects; fishing or rum shop licences; town or village projects; regional or central government projects; once it is the business of the people and for the people then all information must be made public. Let us progress toward more information and enlightenment. Leave the dark ages
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behind. Yours Sincerely, Reggie Bhagwandin
WHAT IS NOT YET SAID AND IS YET TO BE DONE DEAR EDITOR, After listening to the recent sitting of Parliament it is difficult not to notice the high level of hypocrisy expressed by some members of the opposition in the National Assembly. Many weeks have passed and suspects have been apprehended in the Henry murders case and a confession obtained, but little to no progress has been made in the Singh and Chatterpaul murder cases. Despite these facts the APNU+AFC members are asking for justice for the Henry boys without asking for justice in the Singh and Chatterpaul murders with the exception of two MPs. Both of whom tried to initiate a discussion that included the Henry Boys and young Haresh Singh with the exclusion of Mr. Chatterpaul. During the many weeks after the murder not much weight was thrown behind the investigations related to Singh and Chatterpaul. An opposition MP speaks of social cohesion without an expressed care for what has and continues to affect our Indian Community. The hypocrisy is clear and the silence is deafening. The APNU+AFC cannot remain a credible option for voters who are outside the African Guyanese Community and those voters who are in support of social cohesion within our society without ensuring justice is served in both the Singh and Chatterpaul murders. The stance that some members of the APNU+AFC have taken continues to increase racial division within
Is this stance meritorious? DEAR EDITOR, The work of an important parliamentary oversight committee is held up as the opposition holds firm in its stance that the former chairman of the same committee, who had several charges before the court, was not removed or asked to resign, so they continue in having faith and confidence in their chairman. But is this stance meritorious? The former chairman had charges leveled based on decisions which emanated from cabinet. Further the incumbent did
not benefit in a personal way from the actions undertook at the time in carrying out a legal cabinet decision. Counter pose that against the current chair who benefitted in big, personal ways from public funds, on several occasions, which did not follow procedures and by extension was illegal.To continue in its current stance is counterproductive, as we saw and experienced for five long months. And what of the former junior minister who also benefitted from public funds in an illegal way? Shamshun Mohamed
our society. There is no equity in perspective on justice nor any symbolic or credible call of “Justice For All” coming from the overall political party and their traditional supporters. It is becoming clearer to everyone where they stand and the deep seeded prejudice and hate which sits with some of the ranks of the APNU+AFC. It is unfortunate that this is their position and it is now obvious that their party is losing relevance to the larger Guyanese population. Where is the same level of enthusiasm and concern seen when the previous President and the Leader of APNU visited the Henry Family? It is yet to be displayed in the Singh and Chatterpaul murders. In addition, the evident corruption that is being brought into the light by the ongoing investigations into the last administration and the support being thrown behind those involved by the leadership of the APNU+AFC also makes it clear that the party is losing and in some instances has lost its moral compass. It gives the impression that if re-elected, corruption is to be expected while they are in office. At first I thought the rigging of the election process
was an opportunity for the party to clean house and rebuild as suggested in the press, but time is revealing to all Guyanese that the APNU+AFC lacks good intentions on several fronts and should not be given nor trusted with another opportunity to govern any time soon. New leadership and a new holistic approach to Guyanese Society is required for the opposition to regain any credibility before the next election. Unfortunately, I find it hard to believe that this will be possible and believable for the current APNU+AFC without implementing some major changes. It will be telling how the subsequent sittings of Parliament go and how much genuine effort and concern is expressed by members of the National Assembly when it comes to solving and preventing murders in the Indian Community. Any proposals put forward by Parliament must be turned into action to resolve the Singh and Chatterpaul murders while also preventing any future hate crimes to occur in our society. Best regards, Mr. Jamil Changlee Chairman The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
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Wednesday February 03, 2021
EFFECTS OF NY SNOW STORM ON GUYANESE LIFE DEAR EDITOR, The huge snow storm that blanketed the greater New York area impacted the lives of all including the large Guyanese population that make the city their home. Sunday night thru Monday and into the evening, New York City experienced its biggest snowstorm in over two years, creating a beautiful scenery on roads, trees, and rooftops. It was cold and frosty, not the kind of weather Guyanese like or enjoy. Fingers and toes were frozen with heavy winds painfully hitting against the face. It is a lot of work for
Guyanese and other homeowners who are required by law to clean the snow on pavements in front of their houses. But snow comes occasionally during winter months (December thru March) and the Guyanese kids welcome the snow that provided an opportunity for outdoor fun. Although a burden to remove the snow and a disruption to lives, the storm was welcomed as a respite among Guyanese and others from COVID that had devastated lives for over ten months in New York. Many Guyanese were victims
of COVID – thousands infected and hundreds dead. The snow forced people to stay in the safety of their homes – secure from the virus if the environment is COVID free. The storm caused people to shift focus away from COVID.Every life was affected by Monday’s storm as people were stuck indoors. Conditions were very treacherous for travelling. Visibility was minimal. Flights were cancelled. Shops were closed early or not opened at all. The vaccination programme was cancelled for Monday and Tuesday and
those with appointments would have to be re-scheduled. Currently, anyone (regardless of immigration status) over 65 is eligible for the COVID Vaccine but appointments are difficult because of shortage. But many Guyanese were vaccinated with a first dose and are due for a second dose. Those providing essential services including supermarket workers and teachers get priority appointment for immunisation. Special locations have been set up for vaccinations. The vaccine is free for all – questions on status or employment are not asked. Guyanese are urged to sign up especially that the infection rate in Richmond Hill is perhaps the highest in the country. Activist Vishnu Mahadeo has been successful in getting the city to romp up testing in Richmond Hill. He has been focusing on testing like no other does; he deserves a medal for his work. A mobile testing vehicle is parked on the road at Smokey Park at 125 Street and 95th Ave – it was supposed to be since Monday and cancelled because of snow. It will be there from Wednesday thru Sunday from 8:00 AM to 7 PM. The tests are free and there are no limits to the number of tests a person can undertake. There are also other sites doing free testing in Richmond Hill and around the city. As a result of the snow storm, roads were impassable and very dangerous to navigate with vehicles skidding and sliding. A near state of emergency was declared for Monday. Schools were closed for Monday and Tuesday. Virtually no one went out
on Monday except essential workers and those shoveling snow in front of their homes or in their driveways. Guyanese were seen in Woodhaven and Richmond Hill with snow plows and shovels clearing the white stuff from sidewalks and driveways throughout the day and into the evening. Public transportation shut down early on Monday at 2:00 PM with those depending on mass transit urged to get home early before the last train. Hardly any moving vehicle was seen outside on Tuesday as roads remained impassable with thick layer of ice. It was almost impossible to navigate roads as reported by news outlets that urged people to stay home. The roads were plowed by trucks to remove snow. The roads were also salted to allow for
the ice to melt quickly but much of the road remained icy and dangerous. Those of us who study Chemistry would know that salt reduces the melting point of ice clearing roadways.Guyanese homeowners were observed in Richmond Hill clearing stairways to their homes and pathways on sidewalks and sprinkling salt to melt the ice. Guyanese children were seen playing in the snow – skiing, skating, snow boarding in the park and on the empty streets. The Guyanese kids delighted in the chance to play with snow flake in what was the second major storm of this winter season. The kids and adult made snowmen and they also pelted snow balls at one another. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Young people in Guyana’s advancement DEAR EDITOR, I write to you to reiterate a known fact that young people are leading the culture of innovation and should be permitted every opportunity to thrive and lead by example. In every generation, a group of young persons emerge as the revolutionaries, the advocates of change, the axis of innovation and the creative thinkers of the day. They would go on to be the change-makers within their fields and leave their indelible footprint on humanity to inspire the next group of young people. In Guyana, despite our challenges, we have seen a push of young people in leadership capacities, in both public and private sectors and this augurs well for our country. The astute leadership demonstrated by young leaders in business and government in Guyana is a mark of the advancement to come for our country. This itself is an impetus for continued focus on youth development. With the reviving of old sectors and the emergence of new industries in Guyana, there is more than sufficient room for every young person to take their position in building a country we will not want to leave. There are opportunities for collaboration and cooperation, and I believe as young individuals we can collectively usher in a new era
with an active approach. The government is doing its job and we need to do ours to bring 2030 to 2050 innovation to Guyana. I know we can do it because we are an optimistic and passionate group of people so I encourage every young person to take the baton and be uplifted to bring ideas to life, to continue to expand the use of technology in every area of our lives and to continue seeking ways of making living and working viable in the 21st century context. There is always room for involvement, you just need to be self- aware and create it. My aim with this letter is very simple, it is really to motivate my fellow young people to bring about change in what you aspire to do so we can collectively bring sweeping innovation to this country we love. We are the ones to do it as the generations before us have established the framework. I applaud those who have already been doing so, thank you for believing in Guyana enough to want to make her beautiful. This has been said before but a reminder is always worthwhile. Let us put our minds and hearts together, let us create, let us build. Let us do so with a 2030- 2050 mindset. Let us do it for Guyana and let us do it for humanity! Sincerely, Althea Hoodith
Govt. creates smokescreen... From page 4 led to the besieging of the Capitol on 6th Jan. The government is creating similar grou nd for conflict and confrontation. They are creating a dangerous precedent in society, functioning as judge, jury and executioner and denying
citizens their right to due process.
The Court has been asked to deliberate on the allegations of fraud against Patterson. Until such time a ruling is handed down indicting him, he should be able to continue his work in the PAC without being subjected to political harassment. Lincoln Lewis
Wednesday February 03, 2021
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Wednesday February 03, 2021
Kaieteur News
Suspected killer’s girlfriend lodges report with police - case adjourned Henry boys murder case…
Murder accused: Vinod Gopaul
Sancharra’s girlfriend, Rosaida, who lodged a report with police yesterday Murder accused: Akash Singh
A
s the Henry boys murder case was adjourned, yesterday, the girlfriend of one of the defendants charged with murdering them, lodged an official report with police. The defendants in the case are Akash Singh, 20, called “Monkey,” a fisherman, of Zeelugt Squatting Area, East Bank Essequibo; his step-brother, Vinod Gopaul, 30, called “Magga,” of Yakusari, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, and Anil Sancharra, 34, called “Dan pole” and “Rasta,” a labourer, of D’ Edward Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB). The men were charged on January 15, 2021 for the gruesome murder of the Henry cousins, Isaiah and Joel, days after detectives were successful in securing a confession from one of the suspects. Singh was charged separately, with two counts of murder, while Sancharra and Gopaul were charged jointly with the two murders. The suspects were scheduled to make their second court appearance yesterday; however, the matter had to be adjourned until February 16. Kaieteur News learnt that the prosecution stated that they
were not in possession of the case file, because the suspects were being held in separate prisons. Meanwhile, as the defendants’ family members picketed along with other individuals outside of the court’s compound claiming their innocence, Sancharra’s girlfriend moved to lodge an official report to the police. Police Commander of Region Five, Kurleigh Simon, said that the woman’s report was taken. He did not reveal much detail about her report but said that it was about an incident, which transpired last year. In a video seen by this media house, the woman identified herself as Rosaida, a Venezuelan national, who had only started a relationship with Sancharra in December 2020. She told reporters that she believes that her boyfriend is innocent and claimed that sometime in December, a man whom she named as “Shano” had instructed her “to leave the country at once, because her husband is a thief and had killed someone.” She detailed that the man had turned up at her premises around 03:00 hrs. in the morn-
Murder accused Anil Sancharra
Murdered Isaiah and Joel Henry ing. The Henry boys, Isaiah and Joel, were brutally murdered between September 5 and 6. Their badly mutilated bodies were discovered on the eve of September 6, next to a coconut estate located at Cotton Tree backdam. Their murders had sparked major unrests in several Berbice villages. Persons travelling to and from Berbice were robbed and some were even beaten. Another teen, Haresh Singh, 17, was also murdered days later in what is being call apparent retaliation. He was the grandson of one of the suspects who was initially arrested for the kill-
ing of the Henry cousins. As protest actions marred with violence, law enforcement officers had to be sent in to restore order. After months of investigations, detectives from the Major Crimes Unit (MCU) made a major breakthrough in January, after they secured a confession from one of the suspects now charged with their murder. Sources had relayed to Kaieteur News that the sus-
pects ventured to the West Berbice area with the intention of setting up a farm to plant cannabis in August. The men were said to have established a camp in the backlands along with their cannabis plot and left the plants to flourish, returning some weeks later in September. Upon their return, the men reportedly discovered that their camp and farm were destroyed. They were then said to have ventured to another camp nearby to inquire who destroyed their farm. The suspects, sources disclosed, were informed that two young men from the Cotton Tree area are known to trample the backlands and destroy farms. According to the source, the men fumed and vowed to ‘chop up’ whoever was responsible. Days later, the Henry cousins were said to have ventured to that very camp where they met the three men. While conversing with two of
the suspects, the cousins were asked whether they knew anything about cannabis farms being destroyed in the area. Sources said that one of the Henry boys laughed, and that action angered one of the suspects, who swiftly took out a cutlass and dealt a chop to his neck. The other suspect allegedly took out his cutlass and repeated the action. The third suspect, who was standing some feet away, was allegedly coerced into chopping the cousins after the two other suspects threatened to do the same to him. In turn, he was said to have dealt gaping X’s on the Henry cousins’ heads. The bodies were then reportedly transported to another section of the backlands where they were dumped – they were later discovered by frantic family members out searching for the young men who were missing since September 5, 2020.
Stafrei Alexander freed of murdering co -accused Stafrei Alexander, who was on trial for murdering his accomplice Terrence Thomas, in 2015, following their escape from police custody, was on Monday acquitted from the crime by the jury. Alexander, a former resident of Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, was arraigned before Justice Brassington Reynolds for the capital offence. He denied that between December 8 and 11, 2015, at Linden, he murdered Thomas. The State’s case was prosecuted by Seeta Bishundial and Tyra Bakker, while Alexander was represented by Attorney-at-Law Damien (Continued on page 12)
Freed: Stafrei Alexander
Wednesday February 03, 2021
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Correct yourself Charrandass! T
he decision to ap point Charrandass Persaud as the country’s High Commissioner to India is vulgar. This is one of the dumbest decisions of the incumbent regime. When Persaud supported the successful PPP/C no-confidence motion in December 2019, he wrote his name in the history books. His decisive vote allowed for the first successful no-confidence motion to be passed against a government in the National Assembly. A previous no-confidence vote tabled by Moses Nagamootoo in 2014 was neutralized, after then President Donald Ramotar prorogued the National Assembly in anticipation of the successful passage of that motion. At the time, the combined Opposition had a one-seat majority in the National Assembly. It took another four years for another no-confidence vote to reach the Assembly’s floor. Then the government held a one-seat majority and the Opposition PPP/C needed someone from the APNU+AFC to vote in favour of the motion. They secured that vote from Persaud. Persaud’s vote was the key to the success of the PPP/ C motion. He warmed the hearts of persons in the government’s camp. The PPP/C had to have known that he would have supported the vote. It is unlikely that Jagdeo would have moved such a motion unless he had been assured of its
success, but Persaud denied that he had made any deal with the PPP/C. The APNU+AFC, with which he has been associated, tried to suggest – without a shred of evidence – that he had been bribed by the PPP/ C. A police investigation was even launched but nothing came of that, Persaud insisted that his vote was a conscience vote and that he had not been in contact with the Leader of the Opposition. He insisted that he was displeased with the way the APNU+AFC was conducting its affairs. And he said he was peeved at the manner in which the sugar workers in Berbice, his constituency, were treated. The vote was the only chance he had to effecting change. He had complained bitterly about how the APNU+AFC had treated the sugar workers. In a Facebook rant he had said, “When they closed the Wales Sugar Estate …there was no consultation and you expect that given they closed the Rose Hall and Skeldon [sugar estates] in Region Six, they might have talked to people, some of us, [get] an input …see how it will impact them (people).” He returned to Canada following the vote. He holds dual citizenship. It was not expected that he would return to Guyana, given the hostility which the now Opposition held for him. But this columnist has always felt that persons within the AFC knew how he was going to vote on the no-confidence motion. Some of the AFC’s members
hardly showed surprise at the time he voted. His soon-to-be announced appointment as Guyana’s High Commissioner of India is bad optics. It creates the impression that Persaud is being rewarded for his vote. The PPP/C should never have offered him anything since this tend to support the belief that he had a deal with them and is now being repaid for his vote. Persaud is no supporter of the PPP/C. He has been highly critical of the PPP/C when he was in the National Assembly. He had also said that he was required to be a ‘yes’ man under the APNU+AFC and he was not comfortable with this. As the High Commissioner of Guyana to India, he will now have to be a “yes” man for the PPP/C government. One wonders whether he is comfortable with this. He is also been given too important a posting. India is a strategic ally. It is expected within the next two decades to emerge as a global power. It is also a major donor to Guyana, assisting in a range of areas including infrastructure and the reform of the sugar industry. India has also said that it is prepared to purchase all of Guyana’s oil lifts at market prices. Given the strategic importance of India, a less controversial High Commissioner to India would have been advisable. But true to form, the same PPP/C, which had exiled Ronald Gajraj to India, is now foisting the highly controver-
Dem Boys Seh…
Dem big parties does gat secret understanding Everything de HAPNew+Hay- Eff-See tried to do to de Pee Pee Pee Cee from 2015, de PPP/C gan do to dem now. Is a tit-for-tat tekkin place. De HAP-New+ Hay-EffSee bin try fuh get Rohee kick out of de National Assembly. De Pee Pee Pee Cee trying fuh get Patterson to not sit as Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. De Coalition bin charge a lot of dem PPP/C Ministers, including de man who now sits in de top seat. De PPP/C
done charge couple of dem former Coalition Ministers and more gan follow. Dem boys did always feel dat dem two parties gat an unwritten understanding and dat all de charges and drama is just fuh show. Dem boys feel dat dem two parties don’t want each other leaders jail. Dem just pamping a scene. Dis is how dem does operate. Which senior leader of de PPP/C, Burnham or Hoyte ever jail? And which senior leader of de PNC/R, de PPP/C
ever jail? But while dem boys feel dat dem big parties gat a secret understanding, dem boys nah feel dat de Hay-EffSee so lucky. So de Hay-EffSee better be careful. Both de Hap-New and de Pee Pee Pee Cee want to clip dem wings. De Hap+New nah want de Hay-Eff -See around. Dem done cause too much embarrassment with all dem expensive gift wah bin sharing. Talk half and watch how far dem political case gan get.
sial Persaud as Guyana’s representative to the sub-continent. He should refuse. As one of his former colleagues had intoned of him during the noconfidence vote, he should correct himself. He will destroy his heroic
standing if he is seen as accepting a posting, which the public is bound to perceive as a form of political payback. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2021
==THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN==
The regrets and a world I will always long for
T
his is my final col umn looking at the year 2020. I know I have burdened readers with constant assessments and reflections of 2020, but that was inevitable given my age. When you lived through the Burnham era of rigged elections, which was a periodic occurrence from 1968 onwards, you had to be traumatised at what happened for five months in 2020. I was truly depressed for Guyana. I was traumatised by the power of disbelief. Had we not left that Guyana behind 30 years ago,
and had taken our rightful place in the world? I don’t believe that the young population of this country could begin to understand how people like me felt after the rigging began. Could you understand how a freed slave felt to be enslaved again? Could you understand how an inmate of a Nazi concentration camp felt?That is the comparison you have to make in relation to people like me and what we saw in 1968, 1973, 1978, 1980 and 1985. All the nightmares of those years came out of nowhere and tormented one’s
soul in March to July in 2020. But that period 1968-1985 were my formative years. I was part of the struggles of that period. I met lovely humans along the way and they changed the way I saw life. I struggled with those people to bring freedom, justice and civilized values to the Guyanese people, to my country. When I saw what took place for five months in 2020 and how people I admired as icons, people I grounded with from 1968, people who changed me for the better, people whose courage I have
wide and deep memories of, my regrets were mountainous. I apologise for burdening you with yet another reflection of 2020. But this is my final look at one of the most momentous yet saddest year in our country’s history. Tomorrow, I move on to other topics but this final one I will classify the most personal because of the way I felt in those five months. I am not a person easily scared and it has to do with the way I grew up in the south Georgetown ward of Wortmanville. Those days, you lived from day to day knowing that
tomorrow may never come so there was no place for fear. But when that election tampering began and as the months went by, I was really fearful for this country’s future. I regret what Guyana went through last year. I regret that those lovely memories of the seventies and eighties got Frederick Kissoon soiled because those memories helped to preserve my composer, Barry White. faith in philosophy and huThis song is so approprimans. ate to the chagrin, pain, reI wish that era in which I grets that pierced my soul last discovered who I was and I year as the election drama wanted to be could come unfolded and Guyana almost back but they are gone for- disintegrated. ever. I end my long, long look It is titled, “Early Years.” back on 2020 with a song by Wish me luck as I journey furone of my favourite singer/ ther into older, aging years. Early Years by Barry White As I look back on the days gone by, I can’t help but to think: ”What would I have done different than I did at that time?” And you know what conclusion I come to is... The conclusion I come to is: I would’ve done it just like I did it There was days of joy and happiness, and sadness and madness The normal, the normal way of life And as I, as I sit here reminiscing through my years, I... Can’t help but to feel a little sad inside Because those days are gone, forever and ever And ever, and ever, and ever, and ever... [Verse 1] Yesterday we were so unafraid But now we need some time to slip away As we drift in our memories of all the joys and tears Tasting vintage wine of early years [Verse 2] We sit and watch our lives go passing by And remember things we did, and wonder why Looking through the misty cloud at days we had no fear But that was long ago in early years [Bridge] Time has gone by, time from our lives Those early years of time, gone by Those early years, gone from our lives... From our lives, from our lives, from our lives... Well, well... [Verse 3] To appreciate your life, one has to know Know the things it takes to keep your heart aglow Keep your mind refreshed with thoughts of things we hold so near Treasures from our lives in early years. (The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday February 03, 2021
Kaieteur News
Guyanese must demand answers now on Exxon’s Is Exxon cutting corners and placing citizens’ health and flaring the environment in danger? – Carrol Moffett, Int’l Expert By Shikema Dey
Flaring at the Liza Destiny
CIEL President and CEO, Carroll Muffett
Considering the fact that ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), had flared billions in gas last year due to a faulty gas compressor, its acknowledgement of this latest malfunction creates a serious question of whether the US oil giant is cutting costs to ensure it reaps the benefits of the gamble it made on Guyana. Making that statement was President of the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Mr. Carrol Muffett. Industry experts have long said that Guyana is no small fish in ExxonMobil’s pond and while the company has operations in over 50 countries around the world, it is the Guyana venture that is being deemed this big company’s proverbial “cash cow.” But recently, the company has been operating on shaky ground. In fact, the CIEL President pointed out that EEPGL’s recent operations update falls in line with reports by the Financial Times that Exxon may slash its capital expenditure even further, despite existing investments being described as “bare bones.” This is also buttressed by news that S&P Global Ratings may lower the oil giant’s credit rating to reflect a growing risk to their business from the energy transition, price volatility, and future profitability. Muffett noted too that it coincides with the filing of an
investor class action suit against Exxon in its home state of Texas for allegedly overstating the value of its assets in the US Permian Basin. All of the evidence presented, he continued, adds to the fact that Exxon’s financial situation is increasingly serious and that it is looking to Guyana to change its financial fortunes. This is reason enough for Guyanese to demand answers. “The people of Guyana have a right to demand answers to that question — and to know who will pay the bill if Exxon’s bets on cost-cutting go bad,” the CIEL President expounded. The CIEL Chief Executive said that the increased flaring due the faulty gas compressor – and the increased emissions it brings – is a visible testament to the consequences of critical equipment failures. However, he was keen to point out that the gas compressor is only one part in a “vast, costly, and complex system,” in which a critical failure could put Guyana’s environment, its oceans and its coastlines at even greater risk. In addition, if such a disaster occurs, Guyana will bear the brunt of the costs, as there is no comprehensive insurance against oil spills for any of Exxon’s current projects in the Stabroek Block. “If Liza [One] suffers an even more critical failure — such as a blowout preventer -it could affect not only (Continued on page 20)
Stafrei Alexander freed of... From page 8 Da Silva.Alexander and Thomas were jointly charged for the murder of the Linden businesswoman, Shevon Gordon, who was gunned down outside of her house on April 4th, 2015 at One Mile Block 22, Wismar, Linden. According to the facts of the case on December 8, 2015, Alexander and Thomas escaped from the Mackenzie Police station, where they were in holding to attend court. Thomas’ decomposed body was found in the
Demerara River in the vicinity of West Watooka, three days later. Thomas is believed to have provided investigators with information about Gordon’s murder and was reportedly killed by Alexander. Alexander, who was among the high-profile prisoners who broke out of Camp Street Prison in 2017, is currently serving a life sentence for the attempted murder of Curtis Thom. He is also awaiting trial in the High Court for another murder.
New EPA Head looks to enforce... From page 3 minuscule cost [when compared to] their business [earnings].” Dr. Adams had indicated that it is his hope that this unfortunate event will again highlight the urgency for the government to provide the resources to properly equip the EPA with the necessary ca-
pacity for the oversight of these operations, including 24/7 on site presence and investment in training and recruitment of specialized requisite skills, which are all already incorporated in a plan developed between the EPA, Department of Energy (DoE) and the World Bank, he added.
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Ministry staffer who allegedly slapped pensioner sent on leave The Ministry of Human Service and Social Protection has sent one of its staffers on administrative leave as it investigates allegations that she slapped a female pensioner on Monday, while on duty. The slapping incident reportedly took place around 09:05Hrs at the Ministry’s Cornhill Street, Stabroek location. The Ministry stated on its Facebook page yesterday that it has been brought to its attention that one of its officers may have assaulted a pensioner. Acknowledged too, was that the allegation was made through a Facebook post and further stated that contact was made with the individual who authored the post. That individual is Dr. Melissa Ifill – Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana – who expressed great dissatisfaction with the staffer’s alleged assault of a senior citizen. Ifill stated in her post that she had took her father to the Ministry’s Cornhill Street’s office that morning to take out his pension book. She detailed that while she “fretted” to her dad that it was totally unacceptable to have elders
waiting in the ministry’s compound without seats, shelter or proper social distancing to transact business, a female pensioner walked into the office.Ifill stated that the pensioner was there before them and speculated that she probably entered the office because of frustration. She recalled that the staffer began arguing with the pensioner instructing her to leave. What followed next, Ifill recounted, shocked her: “The staffer leaned back and slapped the pensioner.” She went on to mention that after the slap the pensioner had to be assisted out of the office. She noted too, that there was a police officer and questioned why the woman was not arrested for the offence. Ifill ended her post by saying that she wanted the staffer arrested and charged. The ministry in its statement informed that the staffer has been sent on leave and assured that a thorough investigation is being conducted into the incident. The Ministry indicated that Ifill will be providing them with a statement, and revealed the allegedly assaulted pensioner has already been contacted for a statement as well.
Diamond man freed of raping woman at Promenade Gardens Samuel Whaul, an accountant, from Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was accused of raping a 20-year-old woman in 2018, has been freed of the offence. Whaul, was freed by a mixed twelvemember jury who delivered a unanimous not guilty verdict before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the High Court in Georgetown yesterday. Whaul was also found not guilty on the alternative count of sexual assault. The former rape accused was represented by attorney-at-law, Adrian Thompson, and State Prosecutors, Sarah Martin and Nafeeza Baig, presented the facts of the case. According to the particulars of the case, Whaul was accused of rape by a woman he met on social media and took out for ice cream. On the day of the incident, the two communicated on Facebook and later met at Quality Fast Foods and Bakery in Georgetown before they went to Demico House for ice cream. They later went to the Promenade Gardens, where the rape allegedly occurred. The information is that while at the Promenade Gardens, Whaul tried to get the victim to engage in sexual activity with him. He reportedly
Acquitted: Samuel Whaul. told her to sit on his lap and tried to unbutton her pants damaging her button in the process. Whaul allegedly held the woman by the neck as they fell to the ground and he placed his hand in her pants and penetrated her with his finger. The woman allegedly managed to fight off her attacker and sought the help of a group of men who were engaged in a game of basketball at the basketball court nearby. The matter was reported to the police and Whaul was later arrested and charged for rape and sexual assault.
It added too, all public service rules and procedures will be followed in dealing with the matter.If such an incident did occur, stated the ministry, it finds it unacceptable and inexcusable. “We take all incidents of abuse or violence against the elderly/ pensioners seriously and are dealing with the matter with alacrity,” it reassured. In a subsequent Facebook post, Ifill stated “I don’t regret publicising the incident, because I knew that was a sure way of getting action. I really don’t care what the circumstances were - there can be NO excuse for hitting an elderly person seeking a service. None.”
- investigation launched The Ministry of Human Services and Social Protection’s Cornhill Street, Stabroek Location.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Colywn Harding‘s baton rape civil case dismissed for want of prosecution Two civil suits filed by Colwyn Harding, the young man who accused a police constable of raping him with a baton in 2013, have been dismissed for want of prosecution. The matters came up for hearing before Justice Navindra Singh on Monday, but were thrown out since neither Harding nor his attorneys were present for the hearing. According to a statement issued by the Chambers of the Attorney General, the action was scheduled to com-
mence at 9:00am on Monday, and Counsel for the Attorney General were present but Counsel for Mr. Harding was not present, and had not made any communication to the Court. Noting that lead Counsel for the Attorney General indicated that her own records showed that the trial was to commence at 9:15, and in an effort to accommodate Mr. Harding’s attorney-at-law, Justice Singh reportedly delayed the commencement of trial until around 9:25am.
Counsel for the Attorney General had indicated to the Court that an attorney-at-law for Mr. Harding had called to indicate that he would not be able to attend court until 9:30.am or 9:45 am. In those circumstances, Counsel for the Attorney General asked the court to make orders to dismiss the matters for want of prosecution and award cost to the tune of $100,000 to the Attorney General’s Chambers. The judge obliged the request of the AG Chambers to
dismiss the matters and ordered Harding to pay costs. In each of the matters, Harding alleged that he was assaulted and battered by policemen and thus sustained serious injuries. Specifically, he contended that he was viciously assaulted by several members of the Guyana Police Force on 15th November 2013 who entered his home. He also claimed that Police Constable Devin Singh 19175 had inserted a foreign object into his anus triggering a need for
corrective surgery, and that the said rank repeatedly assaulted him in the Timehri Police Outpost between 15th November 2013– 18th November 2013. The State had denied these claims. Specifically, the State asserted that the medical evidence did not support Mr. Harding’s contention of a foreign object being inserted into his anatomy, and that any surgical procedures undertaken were as a result of a medical condition which Mr. Harding had developed. In the first action, Harding asked the Court to grant him damages in excess of $100,000 for assault and battery between the 15th and 22nd days of November 2013 at Timehri; and exemplary damages. In the second matter, Harding alleged that his fundamental rights were breached as a result of the actions of the police ranks and asked the Court to grant him the following damages in excess of $80M for breach of his fundamental right to protection from torture, and or inhuman and degrading treatment as guaranteed by Article 141 of the Constitution of Guyana. As such, he sought dam-
Colwyn Harding who had accused police of raping him with a baton. ages in excess of $100,000.00 for breach of his fundamental right to protection from inhuman treatment; damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of his fundamental right to protection against arbitrary search of his person as guaranteed by article 143 of the Constitution of Guyana; damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of his right to protection against torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment as provided by Article 154 A of the (Continued on page 22)
Doctor charged for hosting wedding
Arrested, Dr. Ravindranauth Persaud. A doctor was arrested yesterday for hosting a wedding in breach of the COVID19 restrictions on social activities. The doctor, Ravindranauth Persaud, 43, of 52 Patentia, West Bank Demerara, has since been released from police custody, on self-bail. According to a police report, the incident occurred around 12:30 hrs. on Patentia Public Road. The report stated that ranks on motorcycle patrol saw a large crowd gathered at a house and de-
cided to investigate. The ranks discovered that it was a wedding and they subsequently confronted the owner, who was later arrested for breach of COVID-19 restrictions. The ranks then dispersed the crowd, and while doing that, a few persons reportedly used a series of explicit language towards them. One of the ranks also disconnected the laptop and other items from the DJ booth, and the equipment was lodged at the station.
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Kaieteur News
Labourer sentenced to two years imprisonment for gun possession A 20-year-old labourer of Nigg Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was yesterday sentenced to two years imprisonment for the possession of firearm and ammunition without a licence. Sahil Hardin appeared at the Albion Magistrate Court yesterday, where the sentence was handed down to him. On 30th January, 2021, at about 20:30 hrs., police got an anonymous call from a person who stated that they heard a loud explosion and that they suspected it was a gunshot in the vicinity of the Z-One Supermarket at Albion. The police showed up at the supermarket and questioned several persons and based on information gathered, it led them to “Bram Bram� bar at Nigg Village. A search was carried out on Hardin, who was present at the bar, and in his left side front pants pocket, police
found a Walther PPKS Pistol, serial No. 256595, marked 9mm Caliber on the frame, along with one .32 live ammunition in the magazine and one .32
spent shell. Hardin was subsequently arrested and taken to the Albion Police Station, along with the firearm and ammunition.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Cop charged for robbing sleeping man - Slapped with several traffic charges A Police Constable attached to the Tactical Services Unit, who was arrested for allegedly robbing a man, Leroy De Santos, who fell asleep in his motorcar last December, was on January 25, charged with larceny and simple larceny. The defendant, Delroy Chapman, 25, of Blue Berry Hill, Linden, appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert, where he answered to the charges. It was alleged that on December, 29 at Crane, West
Coast Demerara, he allegedly robbed De Santos of his gold chain and his wallet containing $50,000 cash. The defendant was not required to plead to the charges and later informed the court that he is willing to compensate with the virtual complainant to a sum of $150,000. The two charges were later dismissed. While on January 18, Chapman appeared at Vreeden-Hoop Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Crystal Lambert, where he was slapped with five traffic
charges committed on public justice. Chapman was charged with being an unlicensed hire car driver; breach of insurance; dangerous driving; uncertified motor vehicle; and unlicensed motor car. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was fined $30,000. Chapman then pleaded guilty to both unlicensed motorcar and unlicensed hire car driver charges. The defendant then changed his plea from not guilty to guilty on uncertified motor vehicle charge and was
fined $5,000. Chapman was reprimanded and discharged on the remaining charges. According to Kaieteur News’ previous reporting, on the night of the incident, Chapman and De Santos were in the company of others, imbibing alcohol at Parika. Sometime later, De Santos left with the suspect in motorcar HB 3949 for Uitvlugt. However, De Santos ended up falling asleep on the way. Upon reaching Crane around 20:00 hrs., the suspect turned on the Crane Old Road and stopped his car where he
reportedly pulled off De Santos’ chain from his neck. The victim reportedly told police that he was awakened by what was taking place and managed to pull back part of the chain. After exiting the car, the suspect sped off but lost control of the vehicle and ended up in a nearby trench. De Santos stated that after making checks, he discovered that his wallet with $50,000 inside was missing. A report was made and the police constable was contacted and told of the allegations, which he denied. Chapman was later arrested and taken into custody. An investigation was launched into the matter.
Charged: Police Constable, Delroy Chapman.
Man tells Police he stabbed friend because he questioned his relationship with an older woman Fernando Fitzpatrick, 25, formed that the argument a carpenter, who was arrested for allegedly stabbing his friend during an altercation, later told the police he did it because he was questioned about his relationship with an older woman. According to previous reporting, the incident occurred around 16:30 hrs. on Sunday at Barabina Hill, North West District. Currently hospitalized and nursing a stab wound is Myial Benjamin, 27, a gold miner, of the same village. Kaieteur News understands that both men were at the time consuming alcohol at Fitzpatrick’s house, when the incident occurred. It was reported that while imbibing, an argument erupted between them, which turned violent. This publication was in-
first started with Fitzpatrick’s wife and the victim’s sister on the relationship between the suspect and his wife. He told police what triggered him to commit the crime, was that he was asked what he was doing with that old woman. After hearing that, the 25-year-old, reportedly armed himself with a pair of scissors and stabbed Benjamin once to the left side rib. Benjamin was rushed to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient and is currently receiving medical treatment. His condition is listed as stable. Fernando, who escaped after the incident, was later apprehended by police and taken into custody. An investigation was launched.
Guyanese must demand... From page 12 Guyana but the wider region,” Muffett said. Exxon had reported days ago, that flaring at its Liza One project would increase above pilot levels to maintain safe operations on the FPSO due to the seal on the gas com-
pressor malfunctioning. That same gas compressor was reportedly fixed and
commissioned back in December 2020 but by that time, the oil giant had already released into the atmosphere 12.4 billion cubic feet of toxic gas.
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Kaieteur News
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Govt. in discussion with five countries for vaccines outside of COVAX -Tufton KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton says the government has been in discussion with five countries and one additional facility — all of which are at an advanced stage of vaccine development — to explore other options for vaccines outside of the COVAX facility. Dr Tufton made the announcement during yesterday’s sitting of the House of Representatives. He said the country has made a formal request to the CARICOM Secretariat, for some 250,000 doses of the vaccines as determined by
the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) from the 1.5 million doses allocated to CARICOM by the African Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP). “Our interest is in the AstraZenca vaccine from this facility. India also has COVAXIN vaccines available and it will be making some 500,000 doses available to CARICOM. We are awaiting the approval of the WHO (World Health Organization) of the COVAXIN and the notification of the amount that will be allocated from India for Jamaica,” the minister said. Dr Tufton noted that the
government has also indicated an interest in obtain-
ing information on vaccines from China and Cuba, where the development of vaccines in those countries are at phase three of the trial stage. “We await further information on those vaccines as it relates to their officially assessed level of clinical efficacy and the allocation that could become available to Jamaica,” he said. The health minister added that the government is also exploring the option of obtaining the AstraZenca vaccines from Mexico and the United Kingdom.
Kamla: Young weaponising COVID-19 variant Trinidad Guardian - Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says National Security Minister Stuart Young is weaponizing the variant COVID -19. In response to a press conference held by Minister Young early yesterday, Persad-Bissesar stated that Minister Young offered nothing new, and attempted to satisfy his guilty conscience because his policy is not only discriminatory but foolish since foreigners have been entering the nation.
The following is a press release from the Opposition Leader: It is totally shameful and insulting that the Minister of National Security is now weaponizing the variants of Covid-19 to create a shabby defence of his baseless and evil policy of blocking out citizens from this nation. The people of our nation, especially the distraught family members of those abandoned outside of our borders are becoming tired of the repeated lies and insolent ex-
cuses of a Minister who continue to stand against the people of the nation he has sworn on oath to protect while he allows the exemption of big-time friends. As a matter of fact, yesterday’s press conference from Minister Young offered nothing new, and was just an attempt to satisfy his own guilty conscience because the reality is, his policy is not only discriminatory but fool-
ish given that foreigners have been entering this nation.
135 investors launch “Coalition United for ... From page 16 forth on its February 2 earnings call, while adding that these piecemeal, cosmetic half-steps to stave off real change are too little, too late. Further, the coalition believes that shareholders should not find the Company’s proposal to potentially invest US$600 million per year on carbon capture and sequestration technology credible, after it “delayed indefinitely” its leading carbon-capture project just 10 months ago. The coalition said, “Exxon’s current myopic and entrenched Board and leadership team are not equipped to undertake the change necessary to turn around the Company’s decline over the last decade. Nearly every senior leader has spent his or her entire career inside of Exxon, and until February 2, the Company did not have any indepen-
Colywn Harding‘s baton... From page 14 Constitution of Guyana and the Convention against Torture and Other Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;” Additionally, Harding sought damages in excess of $100,000 for breach of his fundamental right to personal liberty as guaranteed b Article
Wednesday February 03, 2021
139 of the Constitution of the Cooperat ive Republic of
Guyana between the 15th and 20th of November, 2013 at Timehri, East Bank Demerara. Also as part of his claim, Harding also asked that defendants in each action to pay the costs of his legal fees for bringing the actions.
dent directors with energy industry experience on its Board.” Further to this, the group of investors said that Exxon lags its peers in transparency and has consistently resisted efforts by shareholders for greater disclosure, especially related to the sustainability of its operations. This it said, only makes it more difficult for shareholders to know how the business is performing on metrics that matter to the Company’s owners. Finally, CURE said that
Exxon’s record of emissions and safety failures is far worse than other energy majors – a gap that has grown in recent years. There are currently over 20 lawsuits in process alleging that the Company deliberately promoted a misinformation campaign calling climate change a hoax. Given the substantial risk to Exxon’s dividend and competitive viability, the members of CURE have come together to advocate for refreshed leadership and a new vision for the future at Exxon.
Teen remanded for trying to... From page 18 argument ensued between them over the teen abusing his mother. The report stated that the teen became annoyed and armed himself with a cutlass which he used to allegedly chop both of his parents multiple times about their bodies. His parents received injuries to their heads, both hands and chest. In a bid to save the teen’s parents, public spirited persons rushed to their home and the teen came running out the door with the cutlass in his hands. While some persons rushed to aid the injured couple, others chased after the teen who was trying to escape.
They managed to apprehend him and they take away the cutlass. The police and the ambulance service were subsequently alerted. When they arrived, Persaud and the weapon were handed over to the police and his parents were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where they are being treated. Their conditions are listed as serious. An investigation was launched and the teen was later slapped with two counts of attempted murder. Magistrate Lambert remanded the teen to prison and the matter was adjourned to February 22, 2021, for report and fixture.
Wednesday February 03, 2021
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Tender Board receives 68 bids Sophia teen placed on $50,000, bail for robbery charge The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), on Tuesday, opened 68 bids for three government ministries at their Ministry of Finance (MoF) office on Main and Urquhart Streets. Notable projects included the requests for approval to shortlist consulting firms in support of beneficiaries in the development of in-
vestment plans and monitor implementation of plans in Mabaruma and Moruca, Region One under the Ministry of Agriculture, and the supply and delivery of dry and fresh rations for Amerindian residence and Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory under the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Below are the companies and their bids.
Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Supply of offsite backup server
Ministry of Agriculture Requests approval to shortlist consulting firms in support of beneficiaries in the development of investment plans and monitor implementation of plans in Mabaruma and Moruca, Region One.
Request for approval to shortlist consulting firms to provide technical backstopping support implementing partners in investment planning and implementation, Region Nine
Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Supply and delivery of dry and fresh rations for Amerindian residence and Hinterland Scholarship Dormitory
A Sophia teen was yesterday placed on $50,000, bail when he appeared in court for a robbery charge. The defendant, Seon Benjamin, 18, called “Black & Shine” a welder of Lot 407 ‘D’ Field Sophia, East Coast Demerara, made his first appearance in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Alisha George. He denied the charge which stated, that on December 17, 2020, at ‘B’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, he robbed Fitzroy Cummings of a cell phone and cash valued a total of $815, 000. The charge also alleges that immediately before, during or after the robbery he used personal violence on Cummings. Magistrate George granted Benjamin bail and the matter was adjourned to March 9, 2021. She also ordered Benjamin to report to the Turkeyen Police Station once every month until the completion of the matter and to not be on the road between 18:00hrs and 06:00hrs.
Charged, Seon Benjamin.
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England confirm two-Test series against New Zealand for June
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Kaieteur News
Australia pulls out of 3-test cricket tour of South Africa
Australia’s Tim Paine carries a helmet during play on day two of the fourth cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard)
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Cricket Australia has pulled out of a three-test series in South Africa next month, citing an “unacceptable risk” of sending players there during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interim chief executive Nick Hockley issued a statement late yesterday saying he believed there was no choice but to postpone the tour and he had informed his South African counterparts. “Due to the public health situation in South Africa, which includes a second
Wednesday February 03, 2021 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A quick survey of the financial news might reveal that your investments, particularly those involving property, might be worth far more than you thought, Aries. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A message could come today from a business or romantic partner that brings some welcome news, Taurus. Action on an enterprise of some kind, perhaps involving writing or speaking, could put one or both of you in the limelight. GEMINI (May 21–June 20)
Today you can expect to have a highly interesting conversation with someone, Gemini. The person you will be talking to is going to provide you with a ton of information that will open a whole new world of knowledge.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Paperwork regarding money might take up a lot of your time today, Libra. This can be tedious, but it's something that can make a very positive difference to you, and therefore needs to be handled as soon as possible. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21)
A subject that fascinates you could occupy much of your time today, Scorpio. Questions may arise about this subject that you want answered now. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Emotions, impressions, and memories could come up from your subconscious today, Sagittarius. This may preoccupy you and keep you from other matters.
CANCER(June21–July22) Your physical and mental energy are exceptionally strong right now, Cancer. If you're creative, you will want to put that energy into a project that means a lot to you.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Social events or group activities could prove more stimulating than usual, Capricorn. Discussions of every subject imaginable could take place around you, and you might have trouble deciding which ones you want to join.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A delivery could come to your house that you find very emotionally moving, Leo. Perhaps you've received a gift that represents a big sacrifice to the giver, and was all the more sincere for that.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your writing, speaking, and communicating skills are enhanced today, Aquarius. Therefore, you can expect to impress a lot of people around you who will change their opinion about you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A friend might drop by and want you to keep them company while they runs errands, Virgo. This might be a good idea, not only for the diversion from routine.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Correspondence with someone who lives far away could appear to lead to something more than friendship, Pisces. This person seems to be in total accord with you .
wave and new variant of the virus, and following extensive due diligence with medical experts, it has become clear that traveling from Australia to South Africa poses an unacceptable level of health and safety risk to our players, support staff and the community,” Hockley said. “This decision has not been made lightly and we are extremely disappointed, especially given the importance of continuing international cricket at this time, our valued relationship with CSA, and our aspirations to com-
pete in the inaugural ICC world test championship.” Tim Paine’s Australia team just finished a 2-1 home series loss to India following a first defeat at the Gabba since 1988. South Africa is 10 down in Pakistan with the second and final test starting tomorrow. Hockley said the South African and Australian cricket boards weren’t able to finalize a bio-security plan for the series that was scheduled for March. It’s a setback for coach Justin Langer and test captain
Paine, who were appointed in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in 2018 that resulted in 12-month bans for then captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner. “As difficult and disappointing a decision as this is, especially for Justin, Tim and the team, we have a duty of care to our people and their health and safety can’t be compromised,” Hockley said. “We look forward to playing the series at a date to be confirmed.” Missing the series means Australia has no control over its prospects of qualifying for the inaugural world test championship in July. New Zealand is in prime position, with India, England and Australia also in contention pending the outcome of the India-England series. Australia selected two squads because of a schedule clash that involved a tour to New Zealand for five Twenty20s and the test series in South Africa. It’s unlikely any of the test players will be redeployed for the T20 series, with Cricket Australia saying when the separate squads were announced that there wouldn’t be changes in personnel even if the South Africa series was scrapped. South Africa also had to deal with a cancellation in early December when England withdrew from the ODI portion of its tour after a virus outbreak at the supposedly bio-secure Cape Town hotel where both teams were staying. Both squads had members infected, along with two hotel workers. South Africa later hosted and won a two-test series against Sri Lanka which ended on Jan. 5 in Johannesburg.
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Wednesday February 03, 2021
Impressive Osaka and Barty make winning start in Melbourne AFP - Ashleigh Barty and Naomi Osaka made successful returns after long layoffs yesterday, finetuning their preparations ahead of the Australian Open. In the night match, world number one Barty showed little rust to comfortably beat Ana Bogdan 6-3, 6-3 in the Yarra Valley Classic. “I’ve missed coming out here competing but I felt great tonight,” she said. The Australian played her first tournament in 11 months after opting to remain home in relatively Covid-19 free Queensland during the pandemic and even decided against defending her French Open crown. Barty, hoping to break her country’s 43-year singles title drought at the Australian Open, was made to work early before pouncing on Bogdan’s tentative serve and she proved far too consistent
Japan’s Naomi Osaka hits a return against France’s Alize Cornet on her way to a straight-sets win.
Italy’s Camila Giorgi (right) shakes hands with Sofia Kenin of the US after retiring at the end of the first set in their Yarra Valley Classic clash. for the Romanian. The 24-year-old plays world number 52 Marie Bouzkova next. Osaka made similarly light work of France’s Alize Cornet in the Japanese star’s first competitive match since
Terry Fenwick
winning the US Open for a second time. The three-time Grand Slam champion hit 22 winners to move into the third round of the Gippsland Trophy with a 6-2, 6-2 victory in Melbourne.
Players did not stick to the game plan says Fenwick following 7-0 thrashing
SportsMax - A disappointed but not disheartened Terry Fenwick, coach of Trinidad and Tobago said the team failed to stick to the game plan which resulted in the 70 drubbing at the hands of the United States on Sunday night. Two goals in the first 10 minutes from Johnathan Lewis and Jesus Ferreria paved the way from the heavy defeat played at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Lewis and Ferreria each added second goals in the match in which Paul Arriola also scored twice. Miles Robinson also scored in the rout that had Fenwick and his team smarting at the end. The USA had 12 shots on target and to run salt into the wound, Alvin Jones missed a 66th-minute penalty denying the Trinidadians a consolation goal.
The 61-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur defender said there were a number of factors that contributed to the loss. “We were pulling a squad together in 48 hours to play the USA, who has had five to seven years playing together and who play for some of the biggest clubs in the world. It was going to be a tough task,” Fenwick told Sportsmax.TV. Going deeper, he explained that he was only able to manage three sessions with the US-based players six of whom were included in the starting XI. The early pressure from the US, who scored two goals within the first 10 minutes of the game, saw his team abandon the game plan, Fenwick said. However, he said the team performed better in the second half once the home-based players came on, players with whom he has been working for about a year. “They
“I haven’t played a match since the final in New York, I was definitely really nervous going into it,” said Osaka, who won the Australian Open in 2019. “But I’m really happy with how positive I was throughout the match.”It was an impressive performance from Osaka, who had few problems against Cornet in her first encounter with the French veteran. Osaka plays Katie Boulter in the next round after the British woman knocked out teenage sensation Coco Gauff 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 in one hour and 43 minutes.
After a tough opening victory over Jil Teichmann, the 16-year-old American started strongly before fading in her second match in consecutive days. - Kenin goes through E a r l i e r, d e f e n d i n g Australian Open champion S o f i a K e n i n ’s l o n g awaited return to Melbourne Park was brief after her Italian opponent Camila Giorgi retired injured after one set at the Yarra Valley Classic. The 22-year-old was back at the scene of her stunning breakthrough Grand Slam title last year, where she beat Garbine Muguruza in three sets.
But it was a short stay on Margaret Court Arena with the 76th-ranked Giorgi retiring because of a thigh injury after Kenin clinched a tight first set 7-5. “I’m happy with the win, the way I played,” she said. “I started off pretty good... just made a little bit too many unforced errors.” The American was upset in the quarter-finals of the season-opening event in Abu Dhabi last month by Greece’s Maria Sakkari, ranked 22. Kenin reeled off three straight games to start the match before going off the boil as Giorgi went 4-3 ahead. Kenin regrouped before Giorgi called for medical attention at the end of the set and retired. The Moscow-born Kenin emerged as a serious force in last year’s truncated circuit, also reaching the French Open final and rising to a career-high fourth in the world rankings. She plays fellow American Jessica Pegula next. French Open champion Iga Swiatek also emerged victorious after recovering from a slow start to down Kaja Juvan 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. Barty, Osaka, Kenin and world number two Simona Halep will all be in action on Wednesday.
Cricket South Africa ‘disappointed’... From page 29 countries “support each other”, cricket will find itself in a “challenging space”, and CSA are now at the centre of that challenge. With limited time to find other opposition, South Africa face a curtailed summer with no cricket in March despite lockdown restrictions being eased. Asked if South Africa would consider an earlier offer from CA to play the series in Perth - an idea that had been floated last December - Smith said “no”. On Monday night, the country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa had passed the peak of its second wave and also received the country’s first batch of vaccinations. Thus, by the time Australia were due to arrive in South Africa on February 24, a significant number of South African healthcare workers would have received the jab.
Australia are also due to begin their vaccination drive this month and have been affected by the pandemic much less than South Africa. The total number of cases in Australia is under 30,000 compared with almost 1.5 million cases in South Africa, and lockdowns in Australia have been enforced strictly even for very few cases. On the other hand, South Africa’s measures were among the strictest in the world when they first locked
down last March; but as things stand, most economic activity - including travel - is allowed. South Africa are due to host Pakistan for white-ball matches towards the end of the season, though those fixtures are yet to be released. They have also already had a white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, a two-Test and fiveT20I visit to the West Indies, and three home T20Is against India postponed because of the pandemic.
Guyana Jaguars Secures... From page 30 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua. The Guyana Jaguars will then have other Day/Night encounters at the same venue, against Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Jamaica Scorpions and Trinidad Red Force on
respective dates of Friday 12 February, 2021, Sunday 14 February, 2021 and Saturday 20 February, 2021 before playing their final preliminary match against Windward Volcanoes in a Day encounter from 0900 hours on Monday 22 February, 2021.
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Cricket South Africa ‘disappointed’ at Cricket Australia’s tour cancellation Asked if South Africa would consider an earlier offer from CA to play the series in Perth, Graeme Smith said “no”. (AFP
Australia last played a Test series in South Africa in 2018. (AFP)
ESPNcricinfo - Cricket South Africa are “extremely disappointed” and “frustrated” at Cricket Australia’s decision to pull out of their Test tour in March, saying they couldn’t have done more to appease the touring team. “ We a r e e x t r e m e l y disappointed by the decision of CA,” Graeme Smith, CSA’s Director of Cricket, said in a strongly-worded statement. “CSA has been working tirelessly in recent weeks to ensure that we meet every single expectation of CA. “This was set to be our longest tour in a bio-secure environment [BSE] comprising a three-match Te s t s e r i e s t h a t w a s scheduled to begin with Australia’s arrival later in the month. So to be informed about the CA decision at the eleventh hour is frustrating.” Smith was intricately involved in organising the Australia tour in which CSA were willing to put in place their strictest restrictions of the summer. That included a longer quarantine period than South Africa’s players have had to deal with before, quarantine for other members of staff including hotel staff and transport staff, purchasing an Australian track-and-trace system and obtaining government-sanctioned VIP treatment for the touring party. “The protocols we proposed to CA were unprecedented,” Dr Shuaib Manjra, CSA’s chief medical officer said. “Firstly, we had agreed that our own Proteas team would enter the BSE 14 days prior to the arrival of the
Australian team, thus altering their planning during the current tour of Pakistan.” South Africa are currently on their first tour to Pakistan since 2007, a series which includes two Tests and three T20Is. All but four members of the Test squad will return home after the second Test finishes on February 8 with a secondstring T20I squad to arrive in Pakistan tomorrow to play the three matches. But Australia’s cancellation of their tour to South Africa means that these arrangements will not be changed though the Test squad no longer has to prepare for Australia, who would have played their first Test series in South Africa since 2018. They will return home early, as planned, but will not need to enter a twoweek quarantine as they would have done if the three Tests would be going ahead as scheduled. F o r S o u t h A f r i c a ’s previous home series this season against England and Sri Lanka, players entered the BSE without quarantining but had to socially distance until they had returned three negative Covid-19 tests. Both those series took place with the squads staying at one hotel albeit confined to different areas. For the Australia’s visit though, CSA were due to make use of separate facilities for each squad, thus adding to the cost of hosting the tour. “We agreed to two separate BSEs and had granted Australia full and exclusive use of the Irene Country Lodge - which we
shared with Sri Lanka - with a minimum staff present on site,” Manjra said. “In terms of the arrangements, the Proteas were to move to a separate hotel altogether. Furthermore, all hotel staff, match officials and even bus drivers were to enter the BSE 14 days prior to Australia’s arrival. In addition, CSA had also committed to importing an Australian tracking system at great cost to ensure proper tracking of close contacts in the event of a positive test. The touring team was also going to be granted VIP access through the airports - after government intervention - to ensure this privilege.” Manjra described Australia’s concerns as greater than any other touring team to South Africa. “They were concerned about the 14-day hard quarantine when they returned to Australia. And if an Australian player tested positive in South Africa it would be difficult for them to get back to Australia,” he said. He also said Australia’s requirements were “far more stringent” than any of the other BSEs that CSA have had to host this summer. Aside from hosting England and Sri Lanka, South Africa are also playing the domestic one-day cup in a bubble. Their BSE against England was thought to have been compromised when three South African players, two hotel staff and two members of England’s touring party tested positive - though the England travelers were later confirmed as false negatives - and resulted in England
leaving the country before playing their ODI series, while the Sri Lanka BSE was held without incident. While both those series were expensive for CSA, Australia’s arrival would have come “at a much huger cost” according to Manjra. CSA will also miss out on revenue of up to R40 million (approx. US$2.6 million)
from the postponed Australia tour, leaving South African cricket in a financially precarious position. “CSA has incurred significant costs related to the planning stages, and the cancellation of the tour represents a serious financial loss,” Pholetsi Moseki, CSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, said. “In this
challenging period for cricket and its member countries, we believe the stance taken by CA is regrettable and will have a serious impact on the sustainability of the less wealthy cricket playing nations.” Last month, Smith said that unless member (Continued on page 28)
GFF investigates unauthorised tournament, urges responsible behaviour during pandemic The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is in the process of investigating reports of the launch of an unsanctioned football tournament in the East Coast Demerara region, and wishes to remind the football community that no authorisation has been granted by the National COVID-19 Task Force or the Federation for any further resumption of football activities. The GFF urges all players, match officials and coaches to abide by the Federation’s constitutional regulations at all times in the interests of the entire football community. Any breach of GFF regulations, including participation in unsanctioned events, will be investigated and could result in suspension. Any suspected breach of national COVID-19 rules will be reported to the authorities. GFF regulations, under its constitution, are in place to protect the interests and welfare of players, match
officials and coaches, and to safeguard the future development, good governance and orderly organisation of football. U n d e r F I FA’s g l o b a l structure of football
governance and its constitution, the GFF controls football in all its forms in Guyana. “We cannot emphasise enough the need for all of our friends in football to abide by the GFF constitution and the national COVID-19 rules at this time of global crisis,” said GFF President Wayne Forde in a release. “We are planning for the safe and
responsible resumption of football in the coming months, in partnership with the National COVID-19 Task Force. No football competitions should take place until it is safe to do so and until they have been approved by the GFF and the Task Force.” “Unauthorised competitions at this crucial stage in the pandemic not only risk the health of the people taking part, but also the wellbeing of their loved ones and wider society,” Forde said. Special dispensation was granted by the Task Force for a spectator-less, limited GFF t o u r n a m e n t i n December/January as part of the Federation’s “return to play” plans, which pave the way for the responsible return of football in accordance with national protocols. The Task Force has also granted permission for the Golden Jaguars to begin training for FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.
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Lewis, Rutherford Guyana Jaguars Secures Performance Analyst, fire Delhi Dinesh Mahabir Bulls to victory over Pollard’s Deccan Gladiators
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Evin Lewis (pictured right) and Sherfane Rutherford came up big for the Delhi Bulls. SportsMax - Evin Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford came up big for the Delhi Bulls who defeated the Deccan Gladiators by eight wickets despite a captain’s knock from Kieron Pollard in the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament yesterday. Delhi won the toss and put the Gladiators to bat and they were in immediate trouble at 34 for 3 after three overs. However, Pollard came to the rescue smashing 47 from just 18 balls. The Gladiators captain smashed four fours and four sixes that propelled his side to 118 for 7 even as wickets fell at the other end. Fidel Edwards returned figures of 1 for 34 from his two overs. Dwayne Bravo was slightly more expensive with 1 for 36 from his two. However, the chief destroyers were Ali Khan
who took 2 for 4 including Pollard’s wicket and Amad Butt, who returned 2 for 20 from the 10 balls he bowled. Chasing 119 proved to be child’s play for the Bulls. Lewis, who smashed 55 from 16 balls against the Maratha Arabians on Saturday, picked up from where he left off, racing to 35 from just 14 balls in a first-wicket stand of 90 with Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who bludgeoned the bowling for 47 runs from 20 balls. Imran Tahir took the wickets of both openers within nine balls as Delhi slumped to 98 for 2, two balls into the seventh over. However, Rutherford ensured there would be no further stumbles smashing two fours and two sixes in his 13-ball knock that sealed victory for Delhi with 11 balls to spare.
he Guyana J a g u a r s ’ management has taken another substantial developmental step with the hiring of Dinesh Mahabir for the 2021 CWI CG Insurance Super 50 Cup, a release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) disclosed. This most recent addition to the Guyana Jaguars management team is an indication of CGI resilience in ensuring that the Guyana Jaguars has the requisite tools to enhance player performance and team success on a consistent and progressive basis. This decision to employ Dinesh Mahabir for the CG Regional Super 50 Cup was derived from CGI’s interest and importance on the player and team review process, which has significantly lent itself to an inherent value of a 360 degrees’ assessment and analysis. Such an approach has
once again bore fruit, with CGI strategically providing an additional financial stimulus to the team in the form of expertise, in an effort to give the Guyana Jaguars every chance of success from a management perspective. This decision allows the Guyana Jaguars to benefit from expertise that will assist the players to analyze and approach their game from a slightly different perspective, the release noted. The hiring of Dinesh Mahabir is fitting, since he was the performance analyst on the West Indies U19 team which won the ICC Youth World Cup in Bangladesh in 2016 and has contributed significantly to player development since, with his latest intervention being the hosting of an Online Introductory Cricket Analytic exercise in the latter part of January 2021. Mahabir is a Cricket
Australia High Performance Coach. Mahabir’s birth for West Indies as a Performance Analyst began with his assignment to the West Indies Women team, which was later complemented by similar roles with West Indies A and developmental teams, inclusive of the West Indies Emerging player team. The directors of CGI strongly believe that this investment will help to reaffirm the Guyana Jaguars as perhaps the strongest team in the region, an argument that can be strengthened with the lifting of the 2021 CWI CG Insurance Super 50 Cup title by the Guyana Jaguars, the release informed. The Guyana Jaguars will begin their quest for the 2021 CG Insurance Super 50 Cup, on Monday 8th February, 2021 against Barbados Pride in a Day/Night match beginning from 13:30 hours (Continued on page 28)
Super Bowl LV to have Speaker’s Cup International 25,000 fans, 30,000 cutouts Softball Cricket tourney set for April 2-4
The Everest Cricket Club Masters in partnership with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, will host the Speaker’s Cup International Softball tournament from April 2-4 in Georgetown. The tournament will feature 16 teams, six overseas-based and ten local, who will compete in Masters (Over-45) and Legends (Over-50). Attractive cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winners and runnersup, while the Man-of-thematch in each game will cop an award and there will be a cash prize for the Player-ofthe tournament. The final will be played at Everest as part of its fundraising efforts and all of the established COVID-19 protocols will be in place. This tournament is expected to be the third since the pandemic with the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup, being held in November last year and the President’s Cup
Super Bowl LV will have 25,000 fans and 30,000 cutouts in attendance at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday in Tampa, the NFL announced yesterday morning. That first number, which serves as the smallest audience in Super Bowl history, is still an increase over the 22,500 the league previously had stated would be in the stands. Among the crowd on hand will be 7,500 health-care workers who have received the vaccine for COVID-19 as guests of the NFL. The decision to allow fans to attend Super Bowl LV was made in accordance with public health officials, the Florida Department of Health, and area hospitals and health care systems.
The NFL logo is pictured on a football at an event in the Manhattan borough of New York City,New York, U.S., November 30, 2017. (REUTERS/Carlo Allegri) Florida does not have an attendance limit for sporting events during the coronavirus pandemic. Per an NFL spokesman, fans will be presented with masks and hand sanitizer prior to
entering the game pitting the Buccaneers against the Kansas City Chiefs. Fans will be required to wear the face coverings throughout the game. (Field Level Media)
Whirlwind start takes holders Morocco... tipped for March of this year. “Softball is a growing phenomenon in Guyana and given the current times, we sought it fit with necessary approval to host this tournament during the Easter Weekend. We expect it to be three days of exhilarating action and most importantly everyone will abide by the
strict safety rules that will be established,” a member of the Organising Committee expressed. The official launch will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021, from 17:00hrs at the Everest Cricket Club, Camp Road, where further details will be disclosed to members of the public.
From page 31 bagging three and captain El Kaabi two. The other semi-final, also today, will be a west African affair between Mali and Guinea, with both reaching that stage for the second time. Several hours after Morocco advanced, Guinea defeated Rwanda 1-0 in Limbe thanks to a goal direct from a free-kick by Morlaye Sylla on 60 minutes. Both sides finished a mainly scrappy quarter-final match with 10 men after
Guinean Mory Kante and Rwandan Olivier Kwizera were sent off. Both offenders were initially yellowcarded before the referee changed his mind after using VAR. Kante was dismissed for a knee-high tackle on Jacques Tuyisenge after 14 minutes, which forced the Rwanda captain to come off, and Kwizera was expelled for a last-defender foul 42 minutes later. On Saturday, Mali pipped Congo Brazzaville 5-4 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday February 03, 2021
Teams named for Devon Ramnauth Youth Cricket League
New Zealand qualify for Test Championship final
T
he clubs that will be participating in the Devon Ramnauth Youth Cricket League which is set to start shortly in Region two have released their squads. The teams set to vie for supremacy are; Queenstown Under 19, United Warriors, Rising Stars Spartans, Reliance Hustlers U19, Essequibo Eagles Sports Club and Golden Fleece Vikings. The squads – Queenstown; Azizi Christiani, Romal Hubbard, Uriah Stoll, Zeynul R a m s a m m y, Q u a n c y Sampson, Jean- Marc Mahase, Mark Mohabir, Dreshawn Phillips, Joseph, Durant, Mahendra Partab, Ameer Singh, Shemar Hubbard, Ronaldo Schouten, Keno Nelson Obed David, Anthony Bridgemohan, Nicholas Benjamin, Jason Holder, Terrence Softleigh and Bhadesh Parstoam. U n i t e d Wa r r i o r s ; Daniel Dass, Benny Persaud, Shiva Seuratan, Danny Corbin, Raj Balliram, Siphion Corbin, Darindra Narine, Shane Smith, Michael Smith, Renaldo Boodhoo, Pebbles Smith, Kevin Clark, Devin Persaud, Yuraj Singh, Govinda Tulsie and Frank Watson. Rising Stars; Mahendra Basdeo, Mavindra Dindyal, Odel Patterson, Orin Gibson, Zachary Jodah, Joash Charles, Aryan Persaud, Deonarine Dyal, Ricardo Boston, Rodney Sampson, Ijtihad Kadier, Royan Paul, Jawshaun Hackett, Thadius Fredericks, FostO Campbell, Rohan Persaud and Saheed Khan. Reliance Hustlers; Abdool Nadir, Ramraj Bhopaul, Kishan Lall, Rahul Suresh, Narindra Lall, Shazif Mohamed, Alex Ali, Carl Linden Gilgeous, Gibs Bodoo, Arkelly Williams, Davindra Ramdahin, Arvin Promlall, Govindra Nadalall, Victor Persaud, Dwayne Fredericks and Avinash Persaud. Essequibo Eagles; Lance Roberts, Rajendra Ramballi, Sheldon Charles, Kamesh Lall, Shane Smith, Chillendra Kishore, Premaul
Mavindra Dindyal
Khemraj, Aryan Doodnauth, Keshan Deonarine, Nasir Mohamed, Bruce Vincent, Nicko Vincent, Akash Persaud, Raphael David, Keemaul Kishore and Tariq
PAGE 31
Ishadayal, Surendra Raghubir, Hemant Sukdio, Bickram Gopaul, Omavi Chan, Mark Williams, Rayden Morris, Mahendra Boodram, Nairon Persaud,
Sheldon Charles
AFP - New Zealand are the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship, the organisers said yesterday, following the postponement of the Test series between South Africa and Australia. Australia pulled out of their Test tour to South Africa earlier yesterday, citing an “unacceptable” risk to players with the coronavirus rampant in the country. “(It) means New Zealand have become the first team to qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final to be held in England from June 18 to 22, with June 23 as the reserve day,” the ICC said in a statement. New Zealand, currently ranked second on the ICC WTC table, have a points percentage of 70 per cent, enough to secure them a
place in the final. “They will be joined by either India, England, or Australia with the second spot being determined by the outcome of the India v England four-match Test series due to start on Friday,” the statement added. “To book their place, India will have to win the series against England by 21, 2-0, 3-1, 3-0 or 4-0, margin. “For England to qualify and join New Zealand, they will have to win the series against India by 3-1, 3-0 or 40 margin.” Australia can still qualify for the WTC final if the series between India and England is drawn, or if India win the series 1-0 or England win it by 1-0, 2-1 or a 2-1 margin. Justin Langer’s men were due to play three Tests
against the Proteas, and Australia named their squad last week with the intent to fly out this month. But the situation became untenable with the outbreak in South Africa accelerated by a new variant said to be more contagious than earlier strains of the virus. With almost 1.5 million detected infections and more than 44,000 fatalities, it has the highest number of cases and deaths on the continent. Cricket Australia interim chief Nick Hockley said the medical advice was not to travel. It is the second major tour of South Africa to be cancelled in recent months after England pulled out of their trip midway through a one-day series in December over a Covid-19 outbreak among its touring party.
Whirlwind start takes holders Morocco past Zambia
Zachariah Chilongoshi (L) of Zambia controls the ball as Soufiane Rahimi (R) of Morocco closes in during an African Nations Championship quarter-f
Persaud. Golden Fleece Vikings; Sudarshana Moniram, Randhi Raghubir, Leron We l c o m e , Av i s h k a r
Movin Persaud, Jarad Allicock, Andrew De Santos and Silvan Williams. The fixtures will be released shortly.
AFP - Soufiane Rahimi and Mohammed Ali Bemammer scored within eight minutes of the kickoff to set up African Nations Championship title-holders Morocco for a 3-1 quarterfinal triumph over Zambia Sunday. The plight of the Zambians in Cameroon worsened when Zachariah Chilongoshi was red-carded for a studs-up tackle and they fell three goals behind before half-time when Ayoub el Kaabi converted a penalty. However, if the Moroccans thought they could go on a scoring spree during the second half in port
city Douala they were mistaken as Zambia showed fighting spirit that was absent earlier. They not only prevented the defending champions scoring in the second half, but pulled one goal back with 10 minutes remaining through substitute Moses Phiri. By winning, Morocco became the first title-holders in a competition reserved for home-based players to reach the semi-finals of the following edition. They will face Cameroon in Limbe today in a potential blockbuster being labelled “the final before the final” by
the local media. Cameroon, who will be appearing in the penultimate stage for the first time, came from behind Saturday to win 2-1 against two-time champions the Democratic Republic of Congo. While the Cameroonians will enjoy home advantage, the Moroccans have improved considerably after a sluggish start in which they edged Togo and were held by Rwanda. Having scored just once, from a penalty, in two outings, they netted eight times against Uganda and Zambia with Rahimi (Continued on page 30)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday February 03, 2021
MCYS re-shaping the Racquet Centre into state of the art facility Cristy Campbell - Vice President, Guyana Tennis Association
30- million works set for completion within a month, GTA 1st VP expresses delight By Franklin Wilson
T
he constant prayer of the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA) to have a state of the art facility to develop the sport here has finally been answered with major works at the Racquet Centre located at Woolford Avenue and Camp Street set to be completed within one month having commenced in December, 2020. According to GTA First Vice President Cristy Campbell, Honourable Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jnr. upon his appointment as Minister last year met with the GTA Executive to get a first hand appreciation of the challenges they face and their plans for the sport. ”As you would have noticed, a thorough overhaul of the facility is being undertaken by the Ministry of Culture, youth and sport. A few days after being sworn in, the Minister of
Sport invited the Tennis Association to a meeting, during which we highlighted, inter alia, the poor conditions of public tennis infrastructure. As a result, Works commenced in December to redo the courts, stands and outfit the facility with lights..... So, within a couple of weeks, we will have a state of the art facility. The tennis fraternity is pleased to see Minister Ramson deliver on his promise in such a short timeframe and we hope our engagements continue to foster good r e l a t i o n s . ” Speaking with Kaieteur
Hon. Charles S. Ramson - Minister of CYS Sport, Minister Ramson indicated that the total upgrade of the facility includes extension of the Courts, renovation of the spectator stands, installation of concretee posts for lights, redoing of the fence and a complete asphalting of the courts to the tune of 13 million dollars which will c o m m e n c e s h o r t l y. The tendering procss he said would have been conducted by the Ministry of Public Wo r k s a n d P u b l i c
Infrastructure ”These works are in keeping with the new programme of the Ministry as regards to ensuring facilities are fit for purpose and accessible to our athletes and sportsmen and women. Since I met with the Guyana Tennis Association and explained to them the Ministry’s talent development strategy and we made commitments to each other, the Ministry immediately adjusted its programme to evince its intention to honour its commitment.” Minister Ramson who has been making the rounds almost every
weekend around Guyana to keep in touch with sports administrators and to have first-hand familiarity as to the state of facilities, also disclosed that the northern and southern fences of the Racquet Center would be targeted in the next budget. When works are completed t h e G TA w o u l d b e
empowered to enhance its ability to host competitions as we as run off training programmes on a consistent basis.It is also envisaged that the Association’s ability to be more effective from an administrative perspective would be greatly improved.
NBA roundup: Rockets shoot to sixth consecutive win Eric Gordon scored 25 points and led the Rockets’ record 3-point barrage as Houston rolled to a 136-106 win over the host Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday. Gordon hit five of the Rockets’ franchise-best 28 treys. Houston earned its sixth win in a row and moved above .500 for the first time this season. DeMarcus Cousins also hit five 3pointers and scored 17 points. The Rockets’ previous record for 3-pointers in a game was 27 last season, which set an NBA record at the time. The Milwaukee Bucks broke that record earlier this season with 29. Shai GilgeousAlexander led the Thunder with 19 points while Darius Bazley and Hamidou Diallo added 15 each. Phoenix Suns 109 Dallas Mavericks 108 Devin Booker nailed a 3pointer with 1.5 seconds remaining to cap a wild
finish that gave visiting Phoenix a victory over Dallas. In the rematch of a game the Suns won 111-105 on Saturday night in Dallas, the Mavericks had a shot at breaking a five-game losing streak, but Luka Doncic couldn’t connect from 28 feet at the final horn. Booker, who missed the Suns’ previous four games with a hamstring injury, went for 24 points in 31 minutes. Chris Paul had 34 points, nine rebounds and nine assists for Phoenix while Deandre Ayton put up 10 points and 17 rebounds. Luka Doncic totaled 25 points and eight assists while Kristaps Porzingis registered 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks. Los Angeles Lakers 107 - Atlanta Hawks 99 LeBron James scored 21 points, including the final nine points of the game for the Lakers, and made a crucial defensive play to help visiting Los Angeles
hold off Atlanta. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 25 points and Dennis Schroder scored 16 against his former team. The Lakers were 5-2 on the road trip and have won two straight. The Hawks got 25 points and a season-high 16 assists from Trae Young, 22 points from John Collins and 16 points and 13 rebounds from Capela. Memphis Grizzlies 133 - San Antonio Spurs 102 Nine Memphis players scored in double figures as the Grizzlies romped past host San Antonio for their seventh consecutive win. Gorgui Dieng led Memphis with 19 points off the bench. Brandon Clarke scored 18, and Kyle Anderson and De’Anthony Melton hit for 17 points apiece. San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson paced all scorers with 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) defends the drive during the first half at Chesapeake Energy Arena. (Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports) Aldridge added 14 and 12 points, respectively, and Patty Mills scored 11 for the Spurs, who have lost two straight. In other results:
Charlotte Hornets 129 Miami Heat 121 (OT) Milwaukee Bucks 134 Portland Trail Blazers 106 Chicago Bulls 110 New York Knicks 102
Sacramento Kings 118 New Orleans Pelicans 109 Cleveland Cavaliers 100 - Minnesota Timberwolves 98 (Field Level Media)
Wednesday February January 27, 03,2021 2021
Kaieteur News
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GSA President aims to attract more youth and young females to cricket Wants to revive the game in non-traditional areas By Sean Devers Former Malteenoes, Demerara and National batsman Neil Barry will head the new Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Executive which will serve for a two-year term after being elected on January 28. The 54-year-old Barry served as Vice President to former West Indies allrounder and present chairman of the West Indies Selectors Roger Harper who was the previous President. Harper is one of two Vice Presidents and a sitting President can seek reelection for five two-year terms. Barry, who was born in Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara and attended Queen’s College, takes the helm at a difficult time for Georgetown’s cricket after the covid-19 pandemic (which is not yet finished) resulted in no cricket in the City being played since last March and many of the First Division cricket ground are unavailable due to noncricketing activities and softball tournaments which provide much needed funds for clubs. “Since the onset of the pandemic, all GCA competitions were suspended in keeping with the national covid-19 guidelines and remain that way. The new executives will engage the Covid task force to see what are the requirements for the safe resumption of cricket in the City,” explained Barry, who represented Guyana at U-19 level in 1985 in Guyana and 1986 in Trinidad. Barry, who played seven First-Class matches for Guyana between 1992 and 1996, making 244 runs with a highest score of 71 at an Average of 22.18, informed that the immediate plans for 2021 are to organise the safe resumption of cricket, expanding the game into schools and low income areas and engaging all the stakeholders in an effort to attract young females to the sport in addition to promoting inclusivity amount all clubs and ensuring the prioritization of hardball cricket tournaments
at their grounds. “The promotion of inclusivity amongst all clubs, to prioritize the playing of hardball cricket and the expansion of the game to nontraditional cricket playing areas so as to discover more talents,” continued Barry, who made his First -Class Debut for Demerara against Berbice in 1987 and played two First-Class at the InterCounty level, with the last being in 1989. The former Malteenoes Captain, who scored the most first division centuries for Malteenoes, said that to attract youths to cricket or any other sports depends on how attractive is the sport and the environment that it is played in. “Therefore, to achieve that objective, the GCA will have to work with the clubs to promote youth programmes that can attract youths especially those clubs that are in close proximity to schools,” said Barry, who was a part of Guyana U-19 team which won the 1985 Regional Youth series in Guyana. Barry admitted that sponsorship is always difficult and depends on economic environment that obtains at the time of request. “However, the GCA has been able to work with our partners in the various economic sectors to maintain their sponsorship of our two major two-day competitions. Over the years, the GCA has enjoyed a cordial relationship with all relevant sports authorities including the Ministry of Sports and will be approaching the Minster to continue and even improve upon that relationship,” added Barry, the father of W e s t I n d i e s ’ physiotherapist and fitness trainer Neil Barry junior. “We do envisage the continuance of our development programmes across all cricket processes and also a focus will be made on establishing a data base to capture all scores and records that will enhance the selection process,” concluded Barry, who scored 87 runs in 12
Regional 50-overs games for Guyana at an Average of 10.87. Barry will have to work along with his executives (Vice Presidents: Azad Ibrahim & Roger Harper, Secretary, Deborah Nichols, Assistant Secretary Captain Andre McFarlane, Treasurer Imran Ali, Assistant Treasurer: Superintendent Amitkumar K u m a r, C o m p e t i t i o n s Committee Chairman Shawn Massiah, Public Relations Officer Devish Ramjattan and Marketing
Barry (right) took over from Roger Harper Neil Barry
Manager Attorney-at-Law Emily Dodson) to revive G e o r g e t o w n ’s c r i c k e t
fortunes especially in the areas of female cricket and re-igniting the desire to play
cricket for those residing in South Georgetown as it was in the 1980s and 90s.
MCYS re-shaping the Racquet Centre into state of the art facility
rt o p S
30- million works set for completion within a month, GTA 1st VP expresses delight
Construction workers on the job at the Racquet Center, Woolford Avenue yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Guyana Jaguars Secures Performance Analyst, Dinesh Mahabir
New Zealand’s players huddle during the second cricket Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan in Christchurch on January 5, 2021.
Performance Analyst, Dinesh Mahabir
New Zealand qualify for Test Championship final GSA President aims to attract more youth and young females to cricket Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.